Pairin: Solution Needed On Illegal Immigrant Problem In Sabah

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has called for a definite solution to the state's illegal immigrant problem, saying the issue has been going on for so long.

So far, he said, there had been no concrete solutions or serious actions taken to address the problem.

"The measures taken previously are only temporary. We still see illegal immigrants prowling about in towns and rural areas.

"They act as though Sabah is their home country. Numerous business opportunities have also been taken over by these groups who also compete with the locals for jobs," he said.

Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister and Infrastructure Development Minister, said this in his speech at the opening of the party's 24th Congress here tonight.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the congress.

Pairin said PBS understood the need for foreign workers in the construction and plantation sector but "what we cannot agree to is the employment of illegal workers."

"I therefore would like to appeal to YAB Datuk Seri (Najib) to find the best way forward to solve the problem once and for all," he said.

Pairin suggested the setting up of a special committee comprising at least three Sabah cabinet ministers to tackle the issue.

The committee would show the government's seriousness in solving the problem, he added.

"The single largest issue in Sabah, in which all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties and opposition parties will be supportive of, is the solution to the illegal immigrant problem," he said.

"I would also like to suggest that we set a time frame to solve the problem, that is in 2012. I am confident that if all of us are willing to work together to address this problem," he said.

On 1Malaysia, Pairin said the concept mooted by the prime minister was timely, strategic and a bold move by a leader who wanted to see the people achieved progress together.

"PBS welcomes the rise of the 1Malaysia spirit and will continue to give our full support towards the government's agenda, namely strengthening unity among the people," he said.

Pairin also suggested that officers in Sabah and Sarawak, who had the right qualification, to be given the opportunities to head important federal departments and agencies.

He said that such an appointment was important to ensure that inputs and ideas from both states could be incorporated in the formulation of policies, particularly those concerning the two states.